I just learned there's a Vehicle Idling Policy. What is it "Idling?"
In the context of this policy, "idling" is leaving your vehicle engine running when you are parked.
No Idling FAQ
The University Vehicle Idling Policy recognizes that exhaust from idling vehicles creates air pollution, carbon emissions, and fuel waste that result directly in harming human and environmental health. All vehicles on campus - personal or university owned - are prohibited from idling more than 20 seconds when the vehicle is stationary. This policy applies to students, staff, faculty and visitors. Have some questions about that? Hopefully you'll find the answers you need below.
OK. What's the policy?
It's pretty straightforward. When you are on campus property in either a personal or university vehicle (fleet or rental), or off campus in a university vehicle, don't let your engine idle for more than 20 seconds if you are stationary, even if you or others remain in the vehicle.
The policy applies to students, faculty and staff. Regular campus visitors, such as vendors and delivery service providers, are also expected to respect this policy.
Why is idling a problem?
Idling creates exhaust that is bad for the health of everyone nearby, releases pollutants that are bad for regional air quality, and generates greenhouse gases that are bad for the planet. It also wastes gas and money. In the U.S., idling wastes roughly 6 billion gallons of fuel each year - half from personal vehicles - and generates roughly 30 million tons of carbon dioxide. (www.epa.gov)
But don't you waste more gas turning a vehicle off and on than just letting it idle?
If your vehicle was manufactured after 1990, it will save fuel to turn the engine off and restart if you are going to be idle for more than 10 seconds.
In general, idling for two minutes uses the same amount of fuel as driving one mile.
Is it bad for the engine to turn it off and on like that?
No. Idling creates more wear on engines over time than turning them off and on.
What about when it's cold - doesn't an engine need a few minutes of idling to warm up?
No. In vehicles less than 30 years old, driving - increasing speed gradually - is the recommended way to "warm up" an engine. It is more efficient and better for the long-term health of the engine. (https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/driving/idling-in-winter-bad-for-car/)
What if I need to leave the engine running while I do a specific task because my vehicle has special equipment that won't operate if the engine isn't on?
If you are actively using that special equipment - like hydraulic lifts or special coolers for onboard materials - then the vehicle is in use, and not violating the policy.
Twenty seconds seems really extreme. Why such a short limit?
It does sound short. But think about counting out those 20 seconds when washing your hands per COVID avoidance recommendations. In reality, it feels a lot longer than it sounds - and it's twice as long as the recommended minimum required for fuel savings.
When it's cold, it takes longer than twenty seconds to defrost my windshield. What if I still can't see safely out my window 20 seconds after starting my vehicle?
Always prioritize your safety.
That said, start to build new habits to avoid the pollution and waste of idling. For example, a quick pass with an ice scraper will clear your windshield without the extra idling time.
I often pick up friends or coworkers and sometimes have to wait awhile before they come out of their building. When it's really hot outside, the car will get unbearable if I turn it off. Doesn't that seem unreasonable?
If there is an occasion when you have no choice but to stay in a car in extreme outside temperatures, and you need climate control for your health and safety, exercise your common sense and prioritize your health.
But this should be rare. If people are regularly keeping you waiting, come up with a new system. For example, text them before you leave so they know when to be standing outside waiting. Or, in summer, find a shady spot nearby where you can park comfortably with the windows down. And hey, let them know it's rude to keep you waiting!
For my work, I often have to run into a building to drop something off, but come right back out again. Can't I leave the engine on to keep the vehicle warm/cool?
If you are really just running in and out, the temperature in the vehicle should not change significantly during the short time you have the engine off. And keep in mind that all it takes is one person in that building saying hello or asking a question, and suddenly your super-quick errand is a 10-minute conversation. Two minutes of idling uses the same amount of fuel as driving a mile, so that 10-minute chat results in the equivalent of a five-mile drive.
How is this policy enforced?
Public Safety is responsible for enforcement. Generally, first infractions will receive a warning. After that there is a $25 fine, which is the responsibility of the individual driving the vehicle.
When off campus in university vehicles, you are on your honor to respect the policy.
If I am in a university owned vehicle, shouldn't my department be responsible for the fine?
No. Just like with parking and speeding tickets, the individual is responsible for operating the vehicle according to relevant policies and regulations.
Does a rental vehicle paid for by the university fall under this policy?
Yes.
What about Public Safety officers - don't they need to leave their engines running so they are ready for anything?
No. The policy does make an exception for vehicles responding to an emergency, but in general, no idling is best practice for safety and security because it allows for better fuel management - reducing the risk of running out of gas during an emergency. The U.S. military, for example, has had a no idling policy in place for many years.
What about visitors and vendors?
An idling UPS driver or team bus can create a lot of exhaust fumes. These impact people nearby, and often make their way into offices and classrooms when vehicles are near a building air-intake.
Please share the policy with regular and/or longer-term visitors, for example regular vendors, contractors, and delivery service providers, as well as members of relevant athletic conferences and guests in multi-day campus programs.
For departments that regularly host groups traveling in buses (e.g. athletic teams), consider creating a formal communication about where those drivers can wait while on campus - climate-controlled campus spaces open to the public, including dining venues, or a department-specific lobby or break room, etc.- so that they can respect the campus idling policy but have a temperature-controlled space in which to wait for their return trip.
Wait, but if I'm arranging a visit with a guest speaker, prospective student, or job candidate, am I expected to send them this policy? Isn't that a bit much?
Single-visit guests are not the priority audience for this policy and there is no need to send out a special communication devoted to idling on campus. However, Public Safety will enforce the policy uniformly, so as you share information about directions and parking, include a friendly reference to the policy, or share this link to idling policy information for visitors. Sharing this information is a great way to let guests know we take environmental health seriously and to allow them to share in the effort.
If I have more questions, or want to dispute a ticket, who do I contact?
For general questions about the rationale for the policy, how it was developed, and possible exemptions, contact the Offices of Sustainability and Energy Education at OSEE@wlu.edu. For questions about a specific incident or ticket, contact Public Safety.